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Your Chief of Police: Vincent Palazzolo

Vincent Palazzolo was named Ferndale’s interim chief of police in May of 2018 following a two-year tenure as the department's Captain. A 23-year veteran of the force, Palazzolo is a 2017 graduate of the FBI National Academy, which selects law enforcement professionals with exemplary leadership qualities to improve and raise law enforcement standards in police departments and agencies worldwide.

Before joining the Ferndale Department in 1995, Palazzolo served briefly as an Officer for Huron Township after graduating from the police academy. He served 11 years total in the US military and deployed to Iraq with the Michigan Army National Guard as an Airborne Infantry soldier. Palazzolo served on the Oakland County Crime Suppression Task Force, as Team Commander of Southeast Oakland SWAT, and as Team Commander of the Oakland County Mobile Field Force. He has risen through the ranks at Ferndale PD as a Patrol Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain.

He is a member of the Michigan Association Chiefs of Police, the International Association Chiefs of Police and Veteran of Foreign Wars. He is a strong advocate for veterans, is involved with reintegration programs through physical fitness and veteran suicide prevention.

Palazzolo spearheaded the department's community engagement focus—including the addition of a community engagement officer position—two years ago. He adheres to the six pillars of community policing set forth by the President’s task force on 21st Century Policing. His vision for a modern police department is performance with the highest integrity, ensuring that officers and staff operate efficiently and make smart decisions, safely, ethically, and morally.

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FAQS

How can I recognize an emergency situation?

A YES answer to any of the following questions would indicate an emergency situation:

Is there an injury or possible injury?

Is a crime being committed or about to be committed?

Is someone asking for help?

Is the suspect still at the scene?

Is there threat of impending danger or major damage?

Is there a hazardous condition which would cause injury or death to citizens or their property and will not go away unless action is taken?

Will immediate response prevent possible injury or damage or result in the apprehension of the perpetrator(s)?

How do I describe a person when attempting to identify to others?

It is best to describe from the top down.

Race: White, black, Spanish, etc.

Sex: Male, female

Age: 18 to 20 years old, 30 to 40 years old, etc.

Clothing: Type, color, hat, coat, shirt, pants, shoes, etc.

Height: 5 foot 8 to 5 foot 10, etc.

Weight: 140 to 150 pounds, etc.

Hair: Color, style, length, beard, mustache, etc.

Build: Fat, thin, large, petite, medium, etc.

Other: Scars, tattoos, moles, etc.

How do I describe a vehicle to others?

When describing a vehicle, attempt to supply as much information as possible that would allow the responding officers to distinguish this vehicle from the many others. Again, describe from the top down.

How do I make an emergency phone call?

Tell the person who answers the phone exactly what is wrong, like this:... "There was just a car accident in front of my house...".

Tell the person who answers the phone the exact address of where the emergency is located, including the apartment number if you live in an apartment.

Tell the person who answers the phone the phone number from which you are calling.

Tell the person who answers the phone your name.

How do I register for an alarm permit?

The Ferndale Police Department does not require an alarm permit.

How do I report a crime or an emergency?

When reporting a crime or emergency to the Ferndale Police Department the following information is needed:

Your name and address.

The type of crime or emergency.

The exact location of the situation.

The description of the suspect and the suspect's vehicle if one is used.

The direction of flight.

The time of occurrence.

If a weapon was used, and if so what type.

The above seven requested items are very important, however do not wait to call until you can answer all of them. Call as soon as you observe the crime or emergency, then attempt to obtain the answers to numbers four through seven (above).